Chanderpaul half-century sets up Derbyshire victory

CHELTENHAM, England (CMC) — West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul stroked his second half-century of the match and third in four innings, to help fire Derbyshire to a six-wicket victory over Gloucestershire in their County Championship match here yesterday.

The veteran left-hander finished unbeaten on 52 as the hosts, set 204 for victory on the final day, marched to 208 for four at College Ground.

Batting at number four, Chanderpaul steadied the innings after Derbyshire lost two wickets with the score on 81. He put on 52 for the third wicket with captain Wayne Madsen who hit 35, before dominating a 42-run, unbroken fifth wicket stand with Alex Hughes who made just nine in just under half-hour at the crease.

Chanderpaul, a veteran of 156 Tests, was at his best, stroking three four and two sixes. He faced 80 balls and batted just over 1-1/2 hours.

He finished the game with a flourish, smashing left-arm spinner Tom Smith for a six in what was the penultimate over, to move into the 40s. In the final over, he then carted off-spinner Jack Taylor for a four and a six -- the latter of which brought up his fifty and ended the game.

Earlier, Gloucestershire were bowled out for 219, after resuming the day on 137 for five.

In Derbyshire's first innings, Chanderpaul hit 73, as the visitors chalked up 372 in reply to Gloucestershire's 356.

Last week, Chanderpaul missed out on his 70th first class century when he made 92 against Essex in a drawn game at Queen's Park.

Derbys close to win over Glamorgan bbc.in/1puCdmP